The private channel is based in Westport, County Mayo, and was until recently only available as an online service and a few hours a week on satellite. Now, Irish TV has taken over transponder capacity of ShowCase TV and is available across Ireland, the UK and Northwestern Europe.

The channel advertises itself as “Irish TV is Ireland’s newest and most exciting live digital media platform. Broadcasting 24 hours a day, IrishTV.ie is all about connecting Irish communities all over the world and bolstering Irish businesses everywhere. Irish TV promotes Ireland as a wonderful place to live in, to do business and to visit.”

According to local press reports, Irish TV is investing €15 million in the expansion of its broadcasts and programming. There will be six hours of fresh programming every evening focusing on issues of interest to local communities around the country, as well as reaching out to Irish people living abroad.

Irish TV was founded by Mayo entrepreneurs Pierce O’Reilly and Mairéad Ní Mhaoilchiaráin. The chairman is Mayo-born John Griffin

Irish TV says each of the 32 counties will have its own half-hour County Matters show once a week. “The theme of the County Matters shows is simple – Irish rural life is unique, with its own cultures, traditions and events. At the heart of these events are people, and wherever people gather, we’ll be there,” said Mr O’Reilly to public broadcaster RTE.

“Three people will be employed in each county in production, presentation and commercial positions on the County Matters shows, while an initial 34 staff will be based at Irish TV headquarters in Westport, with a further five in our northern office in Donaghmore, Tyrone.”